Anime Central Recap

ACen was the most fun I've had at a con in ages! I was really surprised since I was mostly running around by myself. I was worried that I would end up getting bored! In the end, I met so many amazing people and hung out with my good friends and had such a successful and interactive weekend overall. <3 <3 

Get ready for a picture heavy post~

DAY ONE

^^

Before I left the house!! I ended up walking a full mile in this coord. Not fun under 80 degree weather. 

Indie lolita fashion show~ 

I modeled this gorgeous classic style dress for Adrian, who was so sweet and amazing. 

I spent the rest of the day hanging out with friends~ I stopped by the Yugioh panel, but it was lacking and lost my interest. I hurriedly wandered over to the loli swap meet and sold a couple things. I met a lot of really sweet lolis from the community!! One of the things I will really miss about Chicago is the huge loli group. :'( 

DAY TWO

I based this coord off a Rei Ayanami goth loli figure from 2008. 

(too obscure to be recognized though, heheh)

I was about to shop and meet up with people when I miraculously ran into one of my gyaru idols, Lisha!!! 

She was so sweet! Her gyaru is always on point!!!! I was very impressed and so happy to meet her in real life. It was a wonderful surprise! 

You can read her ACen recap here~

After only a few hours in my loli coord, I started to feel a bit sick. :( So I changed into something a bit more comfortable, which just ended up being Swagg Rei.

Diamond encrusted snapback completes the look.

I caved and I bought the OTK Eternal Rose Bouquet socks from the Angelic Pretty and Harajuku Hearts booth.

I chilled with my buddy KGD until 2 in the morning! @o@ We spent a lot of time just drawing and chatting. She is really sweet! 

DAY THREE

I wore gyaru, but I didn't really get a good picture of my face. ;/ 

The day started off with me running into tumblr fandom acquaintance Suukarin. She was super fun and I had to stop to draw her something. <3 It was amazing to just randomly run into so many people that I knew!! One of my favorite things about cons is meeting up with people. :') 

I also got to talk and take a photo with Frances, blogger from howagirlfigures and the english rep for GoodSmile Company! I've been a fan for almost three years now, and I was finally able to meet her. She's living her dream, which is truly motivating. :) 

My swag bag

After winning rock-paper-scissors for a giant poster at the GoodSmile booth, I had to head home. I was so tired and still feeling a little sick from my fever the week prior. 

Featured: The giant GoodSmile poster, four YGO One Coin figures, YGO manga and pink card protectors, Bakushipping doujin, AP socks still packed, offbrand socks, bloomers, and the Baka and Test OVA DVD + free poster. 

Got home and rolled in all the goodies I bought from the weekend, then took a loooong nap.

In the end, I really wish I had taken more pictures. I can think of at least 50 more things I should have documented...  ;( But I am happy to have 100% of the memories as well!! Sometimes I just get to talking and having so much fun that I forget to photograph. x)

Thanks to everyone for contributing to my super-fun, super-expensive weekend!! ;o; I hope we can do it again soon! xx

What I Wore: Days of Cute

I keep forgetting to make decent outfit posts, but here is a small compilation of what I've worn in the past couple of days. 

I think I've gotten a lot better at coordinating outfits!!

Internet Meet
Top: Thrifted
Skirt: Vintage
Necklace: H&M
Shoes: Dr Martens

Stay at Home Ghost
Dress: Thrifted
Tank: n/a
Necklace: H&M
Cardigan: Vintage

BTW Bus
Wig: EBay

Blouse: Bodyline
JSK: Handmade
Shoes: H&M
Cardigan: n/a

Class
Necklace: 90s
Blouse: Thrifted
Skirt: Thrifted
Shoes: Thrifted

Easter Brunch
Necklace: 90s
Cardigan: Macy's
Dress: Thrifted
Shoes: Thrifted

I think I've gotten back into the swing of things just a bit, so I've been able to put some nice outfits together and go out with friends. I was down for a bit, but thankfully I'm doing alright right now. <3 I hope to keep making regular posts! It's tough to put together interesting posts when you're at school or tired all the time!! xx

Doll Day: BTW Bus

Yesterday, I got the chance to dress up at hang out with lots of cool people~ <3 Gaga's Born This Way Bus was in town, so of course I donned one of my best outfits and wigs for the occasion. I put in my geo lens, full make up, and amped up my dolly disposition. 

When I saw Gaga in concert in Tacoma, I didn't get to check out the inside of the BTW Buses. Upon hearing that it was stopping in Chicago even after the tour had been cancelled, I knew I had to sign up for the event! I was one of the first 100 sign ups, and I was there right at 12:00 to get in. I met so many fun little monsters.  (´ω｀★)

Free food!

Wall illustrations~

My personal favorite <3

We all stayed there for the entire duration of the event. There were rumours that Gaga might show, since it's her birthday week (Happy Birthday, Gaga!), and she was in town visiting her boyfriend. 

Die-hard fan tattoo~

Unfortunately for those of us super-committed, she didn't show. But it was alright, because I met so many amazing people!!

bus crew. <3

At the very end of our 7 hour adventure, Black Jesus himself made an appearance!! He was kind enough to stop and take pictures with everyone who asked... including yours truly. It was very brave of him to go through our huge group and pose with everyone.  (*´∀`*)

That ended the day, and others went off to go out to eat, but I had to return home to devote myself to some homework. (・_・ヾ I said my farewells and gave a lot of hugs~

Overall, it was a lovely day!! I had so much fun and I got so many compliments on my appearance. It felt very nice~ I've been thinking about wearing my geo lenses more often and aiming to buy a few extra pairs. They really seem to amp up any make up or outfit. They lend the the feeling of a 'living doll' look, which is another visual style that I like... 

I keep wishing the best for Gaga! I know she's recovering from her surgery and trying to lay low. I'm sure that she will bounce back and be at her 200% energy level for the release of ARTPOP!! <3 Happy birthday, to my dear Gaga.  (*´∀`*) Keep on performing and inspiring!

Expanding my closet.

I've been going crazy with Japanese street fashions these days! Yesterday, I bought a few pieces from the second hand shop for a mori kei coord, and a sweater for a potential dolly kei coord.

I thought that maybe dolly and mori would be perfect to try out while I wait for my hair to grow out again. :'| I love love love gyaru style more than anything, but wearing wigs more than once a week is a little tough for me. 
I've just given up on trying to subscribe to one style, and I'm embracing it all and making my closet grow!! Dolly, mori, lolita, and gyaru are all styles I love a lot! 

Sweater, scarf, long white dress with slip, and a ruffley blouse that was half off. I also bought that cute print at a small gallery opening I stopped by. It's an E, so fate told me to buy it! (●´∀｀●) There's also a necklace and hair clip, but they're not in this shot. 

There were some pieces that were PERFECT for cult-party, and though I loved them I ended up not getting them because... money. If you follow my twitter, you know that I spent a lot of money yesterday. ~(>_<~)

^^^
A few days ago I came across an ebay listing for this SUPER cute dress. I ended up buying it and it only cost me $35! I've been having good fashion karma recently. （＾Ｏ＾☆♪ It arrived three days ago and looks wonderful! Though theres a rip in the petti that I must fix.

I've been making pretty good money off commissions. I was saving it up just in case I was able to go on my school's Japan trip, but... unfortunately, I didn't even get on the wait list. (´；д；`) I want to talk to my relatives. I really want to go back and practice my Japanese! And see all the wonderful sights! And shop! 

Instead, I'm using the money to buy some fashion accessories and the like.  （○゜ε＾○）I hope to be able to go Japan eventually! Now that I have matured and know more of the language, I know I could have a great time.... time to dream! 

Personal Diet: No cheese!

As of this morning, I weigh 115.3lbs! That's 52.29kg, apparently. And 5 pounds less than my previously average weight, 120.   I also think that my waist has shrunk a bit. My fanplusfriend lolita skirt was loose on me this last friday when I wore it... May have to sell it.

I must say, I'm pleasantly surprised! I haven't been working out much at all (shame on me....), but I have cut cheese out of my diet completely in the last month! That's the only factor I can think of that would contribute to this number. Something Courtney Love said in an older interview really motivated me to do this. (It's a wonderful read!!)

It was hard at first since cheese is one of my favorite foods, and I slipped up a couple of times... but my school provides delicious vegan meals, and I always buy substitute cheese. After a while, I wasn't even thinking about it!

Recently, I keep forgetting that I'm vegetarian. Not in the way that I slip up and eat meat, but in the way that I often forget I have to let people know! I've almost hit my 2-year mark and it just feels so normal and regular to me. I feel like it would be too strange for me to eat meat now. I used to be one of those people who would say "I could never give up meat!!!"
When I first started, I would still eat meat on weekends. It was a process, but now here I am, 2 years later!! hehe~

I went out to eat on friday with my friends for a birthday occasion to a Japanese barbeque restaurant. It was so much fun, but for a moment I panicked internally for a moment because there were so few vegetarian options, and I felt bad that other people were worried for me. But the waiter was fantastic and let me know immediately that the soup I had been considering contained beef broth before pointing out the noodles he could add tofu and vegetables to. It was really great of him and I ended up stuffing my face with edamame and Japanese sweet potatoes too. (delicious!!!) 

My current diet might seem a little strange. I am a vegetarian who does not consume raw dairy or egg products, but I'm not quite vegan. If butter or eggs are cooked into something, I will eat it. When I go home to Washington state, I eat fish when we go out to a restaurant. It's right off the coast and the seafood there is amazing... plus, I'm only there twice out of the year and fish is really very good for you!! 

Maybe once I live on my own I can make the shift to full vegan and cook for myself all the time. <3

One of my favorite facebook pages, just titled "Vegetarian" often posts great recipes and articles about this diet and lifestyle. Honestly it's pretty inspiring!! Check it out.

I hope you learned a little more about me. :) There's no pressure in motivating others to practice a no-meat diet, but it's certainly worth exploring!

Gal Checkpoint!! L.A. Tan Review

Where do I begin? Well, I suppose I should apologize to all the girls in my high school that I would constantly mock because of their orange tans. Though of course, there is such a thing as a good vs. bad tan. I apologize, because honestly, I never experienced how fun tanning can be!

All tans I've gotten before were courtesy of self-tanners or sitting out in the sun for hours on end. I never bothered to set foot into a tanning chain. Today, I wandered into the first L.A. Tan I've seen here in Chicago for my first tanning bed experience.

(The interior of the L.A. Tan on Madison St.)

The first thing I noticed was a couple of cheesy fake palm trees as I walked down the stairs. As someone who loves cheesy or ironic additions like that, I smiled to myself. But walking into the waiting room I was pleasantly surprised at how clean and professional it looked. The girl behind the counter greeted me and let me know more about their holiday promotions (all good deals, if you're a tanning regular, by the way!!). She was very friendly to me and the other customers (regulars) that walked in. Not the kind of fake-nice I was nervously anticipating, but really rather genuine. 

I filled out a paper and told her that it was my first time in a tanning salon. After admitting that, I felt a slight tension of something like... "oh, this n00b". Her demeanor changed a little bit, but it was only for a couple of moments. Once I got chatting about how much I loved the designs on the tanning lotion bottles, she cheered up again and I think she realized I was genuinely interested in the place.

She proceeded to explain everything to me, and gave me a small tour. They have a room with make-up remover provided, as well as extra hair ties, just in case you forgot your own. There is a radio in the room so you can listen to music while you tan. They've really thought of everything!

My room was clean; with a mirror, small table, and hooks for all my clothes and accessories. The tan itself was very relaxing. There was something surreal and spacey about the bright lights looking green through my eye protection. I felt like I was in a sci-fi movie pod. Honestly, I really loved it. 

Hopping out after 7 minutes, I inspected myself. My skin is really fair, so there will no doubt be a long time of building up tans before I actually have THE "L.A. Tan" but I already do notice a healthier glow to my skin. I aim to keep getting used to the machines and go for longer and stronger, next time. 

(hallway of tanning rooms)

For those who are worried about tanning, the L.A. Tan  website has a line that I found interesting. “Saying that UV exposure is harmful and should be avoided is as wrong as saying that water causes drowning, and therefore we should avoid water.”

Though I too worry some damage as well, it's always important to remember to use lotions and timing and stay safe! 

On my way out, I bought some eye protection and the counter girl asked me, "So, you gonna join the tanning squad?" And I suppose the answer to that is "yes, when I have the money!" haha

There is a very superficial edge to this "tanning squad" that you can read immediately when you visit the L.A. Tan website. Though I obviously don't believe "thin, tan, and blonde" is the only way to be "beautiful", I think there is a relaxing quality to getting a tan, and it honestly helped my skin look a little better. I will certainly be going back for more, but won't let any pressures seep into my skull. I would recommend L.A. Tan to regulars or all other gals! Fellow gyaru will LOVE the tanning lotion bottles they have and the pink walls! Try it out! x

Serious Fashion Talk: "Identify as..."

gyaru & lolita

I'm having some feelings about fashion/style. Time for a tiny lecture! 

As someone who jumps around between enjoying fashions just as often as she fandom hops, sometimes I worry about being accepted by a community? Here in Chicago, I spend a lot of time trying to 'invent' myself. Not re-invent!! My entire life has been a tale of brain-washing and put-downs that resulted in me being influenced very easily and never living for myself, always to please or help others. Though that's good, too!! I don't mind being the punching-bag or the 'martyr' and I love to be as kind as I can (but my cynical Sagittarius nature gets in the way sometimes or bugs people).

It's when you can't dig yourself out from under all these "feel wrong" layers that you begin to realize something strange happened in your development! When I moved away, I finally was able to start inventing my own fashion without any judgment.   

lolita

Gal and Lolita are both communities where I can dress up exactly how I love to and hang out with a bunch of wonderful people. I'm really trying to ground myself here in Chicago with some friends who share a similar interest.
This brings me to my main point; feeling a fashion or lifestyle as "right for you" or "relatable."

For me, that's gyaru (particularly himegyaru). I don't know what it is, but it really calls me. That sounds so silly, I know, but it just really feels like it fits. The kitschiness, the pink, the hair, the make-up, the superficiality, and even the cattiness! Even the negative aspects of gyaru are things that I can see in myself. There are so many different sub-styles to draw from, endless possibilities and lots of fun to be had! I feel like a gyaru and "identify" as such.

himegyaru

This doesn't mean that I can't occasionally dress lolita! (This is a point where I get nervous about some of the elitism in some J-fashion communities.) I don't "identify" as a lolita, but I know a lot about it and I love the fashion. On days when I want to go to a meet-up or just look kawaii as fuck, I've got some lolita to do the trick. Some people really strongly see themselves as lolita, even though they may not dress in the fashion. (just ask albinwonderland about that!) 

And of course, there are days when I could care less and wander around the city in skinny jeans and a t-shirt. Though these are days that I feel very little confidence in myself. I feel like an underdressed princess, because my brain is still stuck in fashion mode! 

 

            how i feel inside                                   how i look on the outside

I suppose my tiny wish is that no one says "You can never be gyaru!" because I occasionally wear lolita. But my main wish is to grow and improve!  I know how catty some gyaru can be, and starting to get seriously immersed in the style (and finally meeting other gyaru!) stirs some nervousness in me... but I'm not afraid and I'm incredibly excited! 

Though every time I tell my friends "I'm going gyaru!" they squint at me and say "those tan girls? they're so.... euuugh." (I think their mind immediately goes to MANBA haha) It makes me a little sad that they think that way, but I think that I've been trying to please other people for too long.

I think it's time to seriously jump into gyaru!

If you want to follow some more regular posts on gyaru, as well as health and fitness, feel free to follow project-euphemia on tumblr!